Arapahoe Basin

With a maximum peak elevation of 13,050, Arapahoe Basin always has snow, and is arguably the most popular Ski resort in Colorado. Over 100 trails have been crafted, with something to suit every skill level. Arapahoe Basin features seven lifts, taking visitors to the best of the areas trails.

A Basin offers one of the longest winter sports seasons within Northern America, being open from October through to July. During the season the mountain plays host to a whole range of events including telemark clinics, cookouts and weekend tailgating at the “Beach” – the parking lot runs right up to the bottom slope and is the signature of good times at the Basin.

Up above timberline and in the open bowls from the Pallavicini chair is the place where advanced skiers tend to head for, although the area can still be fun for more relaxed skiers.

Arapahoe Basin is far more than a ski resort; it is a premium grade area of outstanding natural beauty. As well as providing excellent skiing, the resort is maintained as carefully as possible to maintain the delicate high mountain ecology.

Arapahoe Basin Stats

Base Elevation:

10,780 ft

Summit Elevation:

13,050 ft

Vertical Drop:

2,270 ft

Skiable Area:

900 acres

Annual Snowfall:

350 in

Snowmaking:

14 %

Number of Lifts:

7

Uphill Lift Capacity:

10,700 per hour

Types of Lifts:

1 Magic Carpet

3 Double Chairs

1 Triple Chairs

1 Quad

1 High Speed Quad

Number of Trails:

105

Longest Run:

8,520 ft

Arapahoe Basin Reviews:

Dave from Chicago, IL Oct 25, 2008

This place sucks! Don’t come here! Why? Because I want to keep it uncrowded for me, that’s why. But seriously… I came here during the last week of April/first two day of May 2008. The first two days of May were powder days! It was beautiful. Spring riding rules! I would say I’m a high-intermediate/low-advanced rider and this place definitely gave me a good challenge. A-Basin will always have special place in my heart. I really got a chance to improve my skills. It was also my introduction to spring riding. Everyone who worked here was really friendly. I definitely plan on returning this year for some more spring riding. (courtesy – SkiTown.com)

My Take: A Basin is another one of those “my kind of places”. Old school and unpretentious, A Basin is one of the old time serious high mountain places that riders and mountaineering types have been challenging of 100s of years. The mountains at the top of the pass near A Basin are ominous and fatal looking . . . and they are – no place to head out of bounds without knowing what you’re doing. It’s time for you to go check out Arapahoe Basin if you haven’t already.